The government is reportedly moving forward with plans to introduce the long-awaited Ninth National Pay Scale, aimed at increasing salaries and pensions for government employees and retirees amid rising living costs and inflation.

According to officials familiar with the process, discussions on the new pay structure are at an advanced stage, and the proposal is being reviewed by the relevant authorities. The government is considering implementing the revised pay scale from the 2026–27 fiscal year, subject to final approval and budgetary considerations.

Under the proposed framework, the existing 20-grade salary structure would remain unchanged, but significant adjustments to basic pay have been recommended. The minimum basic salary for the lowest grade could rise from Tk 8,250 to Tk 20,000, while the highest basic salary for Grade 1 officials could increase from Tk 78,000 to Tk 160,000.

Officials involved in the discussions say the proposed changes are intended to help government employees cope with inflation and rising household expenses.

To manage the financial impact on the national budget, the government is considering a phased implementation strategy. Under the proposal, an initial increase of around 50 percent in basic salaries could be introduced in the first phase, with the remaining adjustments implemented gradually over the following two years.

The proposed pay scale also includes provisions for pensioners. Retired government employees could receive substantial pension increases under the new structure, with some categories potentially seeing pension benefits rise significantly. The initiative is aimed at strengthening social protection for retired public servants facing increasing living costs.

Economists note that higher salaries and pensions could boost consumer spending and improve purchasing power. However, they also caution that the increased expenditure would place additional pressure on government finances and revenue management.

Some government employees have called for the full implementation of the new pay scale in a single phase, arguing that the current economic situation warrants immediate relief.

No official notification or gazette regarding the Ninth National Pay Scale has been issued yet. The final structure, implementation timeline, and financial allocations will be confirmed through government decisions and official announcements.